Factors contributing to the potency of CD8 < sup > + < /sup > T cells

Trends Immunol. 2023 Aug 7:S1471-4906(23)00139-4. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2023.07.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a crucial role in targeting virus-infected and cancer cells. Although other cytotoxic lymphocytes such as CD4+ T and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, can also identify and destroy aberrant cells, they seem to be significantly less potent based on available experimental data. Here, I contemplate the molecular mechanisms controlling the sensitivity and kinetics of granule-mediated CD8+ T cell cytolytic responses. I posit that the clustering of MHC-I molecules and T cell receptors (TCRs) on the cell surface, as well as the contribution of the CD8 co-receptor, are major factors driving exceptionally potent cytolytic responses. I also contend that CD8+ T cells with known specificity and engineered TCR-T cells might be among the most efficient cytolytic effectors for treating patients suffering from viral infections or cancer.PMID:37558570 | DOI:10.1016/j.it.2023.07.005
Source: Trends in Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research